Three masked gunmen took crime to “a whole new level” when they shot and killed a Clinton Township party store owner during a late-night robbery, police said today.

The incident took place about 11 p.m. Friday when the trio entered the Moon Lite Party Store on the 33000 block of Harper Avenue north of 14 Mile Road, demanded cash from the owner working behind a counter and then shot him, police said in a news release.

“These perpetrators have taken this to a whole new level,” Detective Capt. Richard Maierle said. “It’s one thing to go in there and rob the store, but to brutally kill a hard-working store owner over money -- any amount of money -- is truly tragic. It shows the perpetrators have no regard for human life.”

Police worked overnight to review a security camera videotape of the incident, processed the scene for evidence and interviewed people in the area. Investigators have not revealed how much money was taken in the robbery.

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Detective Lt. Eric Reincke said the investigation is continuing and the name of the victim has not yet been released.

It was the first homicide in Clinton Township so far this year. The township had three homicides in 2013.

Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward for any information leading to an arrest and tipsters can remain anonymous. Anyone with information is asked to call Clinton Township police at 586-493-7802.